Federal Polytechnic Ilaro Journal of Pure And Applied Sciences

Assessment of The State Security Actors' Response To Goods Smuggling In YewaRegion, Ogun State

2026-04-16T15:36:42+00:00

ABSRACT
This study assesses the response of state security actors towards eradicating goods smuggling in Nigeria especially
among the people of Yewa region of Ogun State. The study objectives are to identify categories of pronounced or
popular goods smuggling; identify major routes for goods smuggling; and identifying major principal state security
actors in charge of anti-goods smuggling. Relevant literature was reviewed, while secondary and primary data
collection sources were equally used to obtain useful and relevant information for the study. Tables and simple
discussion were used to present and analyse the collected data; it was discovered that about 90% to 94% youths
between the ages of 18 to 53 are usually involved in the goods smuggling activities in the study area with about 66%
rice and 20% frozen foods (Turkey and Chicken) identified as the major types of goods and services for smuggling.
The Study also revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)is the major and principal state security actor in
charge of anti-goods smuggling activities in the study area. At the same time, Sango-Atan/Ota-Owode-Idiroko and
Papalanto-Ilaro-Oja/Odan-Ohunbe axes were identified as the major/popular routes for the goods smuggling
activities. Conclusively, the study recommended, among others, the creation of an enabling and suitable
environment for the establishment of manufacturing industries for job opportunities for the youths as well as regular
public enlightenment for community members on the anti-smuggling functions of state security actors.

Knowledge Management Practices a Predictor on Job Performance of Librarians in Selected Universities, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

2026-04-16T16:27:23+00:00

Libraries and librarians play a vital role in higher education in providing essential information services for both
academic communities and the broader society. Their contributions are fundamental to achieving institutional
goals, and any deficiency in their performance could negatively affect the institution, students, and national
development. This study examines the influence of Knowledge Management (KM) practices on the job
performance of librarians in higher institutions. A survey research design was adopted, targeting 46 librarians in
two universities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria—University of Ibadan and Lead City University. The total
enumeration approach ensured that all library staff were included. Data was collected using a structured
questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis at a 0.05
significance level. Findings revealed a moderately high level of job performance among librarians (Mean = 3.21)
and a similarly high level of KM practices (Mean = 3.30). Regression analysis indicated that KM practices
significantly influence job performance ( = .747, t = 5.797, p < 0.05). The study concludes that librarians in
these institutions demonstrate a moderately high level of job performance, supported by effective KM practices.
It recommends that higher institutions invest in knowledge-sharing platforms such as digital repositories, online
forums, and professional workshops to foster collaboration and enhance job performance.

Maize Response to Varying Weed Control Times: Growth, Yield, and Correlation Insights

2026-04-16T21:31:49+00:00

Maize (Zea mays L.), a major global grain crop, suffers yield losses of up to 80% from weed competition if not
timely managed, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Early-season weed control enhances canopy development and
grain formation, yet its combined effect on growth and yield remains underexplored. This study examined maize
response to varying weed control times in Nigeria’s rainforest agro-ecological zone using a Randomized Complete
Block Design with four treatments: weed-free (0 WAP), weeding at 2 WAP, 4 WAP, and 6 WAP, replicated four
times. Growth traits (plant height, leaf area, stem girth, leaf length, number of leaves) and yield components (cob
length, cob weight, grain yield, 100-seed weight) were assessed. Early weed control (0–4 WAP) significantly
improved vegetative growth (2–12 WAP) and yield, with weed-free plots producing the highest cob length (15.42
cm), cob weight (32.80 g), and grain yield (23.16 t/ha). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships
within growth and yield parameters, with only a weak negative correlation (-0.47*) between number of leaves and
cob length. Finding

Nutritional Qualities and Comparative Acceptability of Self Developed Flakes and Balls Produced from Oat and Cocoa Beans

2026-04-16T21:47:43+00:00

This study investigated the nutritional qualities and comparative acceptability of self-developed ready-to-eat
flakes and balls produced from oat and cocoa beans. Fifty academic staff from departments that were offering
courses relating to food at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State were purposively chosen as sensory
panelists. Sensory evaluation was conducted using a 9-point hedonic scale rating, and the data obtained were
analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, like mean, median, standard deviation and Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Package for Social Science SPSS version 30.0, The sensory results
showed mean scores ranging from 6.30 to 7.50 for appearance, colour, aroma, texture, taste, flavour, fluffiness,
and overall acceptability. These findings indicate that the flakes and balls were generally well accepted, with
the flaked products performing slightly better in texture and crispness. Proximate analysis results revealed
variations in moisture (22.65-25.65 %), ash, (1.38-2.08 %) crude protein (4.33-4.60 %), crude fiber (0.32
0.95 %), fat (1.18-1.97 %), and carbohydrate (69.88-65.15%) contents. The composite
formulations demonstrated improved nutritional quality compared to the control samples, with higher protein
and fiber levels, moderate fat and carbohydrate contents, and appreciable mineral composition reflected in ash
values. The study recommends that blending oat and cocoa in product development enhances both nutritional
quality and consumer acceptability, food producers should prioritize using oat–cocoa composite flour in flakes
and balls productions as they provide affordable, and acceptable alternatives to conventional breakfast cereals,
with potential to promote healthier dietary choices